Hi there is a warrior messenger prototype bass on reverb I am considering buying. I’m not super familiar with warriors beyond knowing they are quality. I’ve always had Ibanez basses but looking for something better.
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I was literally waiting on payday to pick that one up. Great catch. I ended up getting a deal on the one at Sam Ash with truss rod issues. Mainly a 4 string player, but I had an OG 5 string Warrior back in the 90s, and it never hurts to have at least 1 5 string. Hopefully no issues with repairing it.Well, I just pulled the trigger on a Warrior Dran Michael IV with a chocolate quilt top. It's a MM/J configuration and a neck-through.
Time to start thinning the herd. Oof.
How bad is the truss rod? I seriously considered it before snagging this one.
Check this one out. I got it back in July. its a Dran Michael bolt on 5
Wenge fretboard
34" scale
Maple neck
Flame maple top
"matching" headstock
Alder body
Bartolini pre
Custom specs
Gye Nyame inlay (wenge)
Truss rod cover w/ Africa inlay
Input jack on top
Lindy Fralin Jazz pups
Satin body finish
Strung E to C
i had it commissioned about a year and a half ago. it took forever. i wasnt too happy about that, but it SOUNDS GREAT!!! Over all, I'm about 8.5 on a 10 scale of satisfaction. I wanted an ebony board and inlay, but he couldnt do an ebony inlay. i orignally wanted an Aguilar OBP3 preamp, but i opted for the customary Bartolini pre. Still dont know how i feel about that decision. the Bart pre sounds great so.... Also The satin finish i ordered was only applied to the body, so the headstock looks a little lighter than the body. the nut looks a little rushed. I might have a brass nut installed later.
But like I said earlier, it sounds great. I encourage any of you who are ordering a new Warrior, Fralins pair well with the Bartolini pre and IMO looks better than the standard Barts. And lastly, BE PERSISTENT. Know what you want and stick with it. Its your money.
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the inlay is an ancient African symbol that means "except for God" or the supremacy of God. As far as pricing, I don't know how JD figures it up. Its not like Fodera or Fbass where there is a bass price and you work from there. JD will shoot you a figure and you can pretty much negotiate from there. The block inlays were a freebee b/c the bass was way over schedule. i put $7k into it. I'm happy with the sound and the feel. The neck and fretboard are buttery smooth, but the attention to detail in other places is lacking IMO.
I would also go with a satin finish over the entire bass. It feels better than the oil finish. I added the ramp later from dknob.com. i took a sharpie marker to the ramp and put an acrylic coat over it. Not the best, but it got the job done.
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Just received my new build from Warrior. Opening the gig bag left me speechless! Beautiful bass! Workmanship is as good as any boutique bass that I've ever received (and I've totally lost count of how many). Everything from the custom wooden knobs to the engraved control cover is just a work of art.
And of course, the critical part, how does it sound and play? Phenomenal! I just finished setting it up to my specs and it took action down to 3/64" at the G string (24th fret) to 3/32" at the B (24th fret). Crazy low action! Super phat tones (love that burpy X5 bridge pickup combined with the Big Boy humbucker in the neck position; sweet spot).
I totally love the new Warrior Big Bottom Bartolini preamp too. The "Rumble" feature almost sounds like an octave pedal (or a bass synth). Nice to have the active/passive mode too.
JD was a total pleasure to deal with too. First custom build that I've ever done that was literally shipped on the day he estimated!
IMO, adding his two sons, Dran and Gabe to the business has greatly improved the overall quality and professional manner with which they do business.
Highly recommend these guys!
I'll post some pics.
Need to get back to playing it.![]()